Here’s a list of dos and don’ts to ace your summer skincare routine.
If you’re staying in Singapore, you might be wondering what summer we’re talking about when it’s HOT all year-round on our sunny island. Well, we’re referring to the hottest months of the year with little rain – that’s June-July-August! Our very own version of summer, if you may call it so.
And to keep your skin in tip-top condition during these sweltering months, here are the top 3 dos and don’ts to look out for.
Summer must-haves to beat the heat!
1. SPF
This goes without a doubt! It is important to protect yourself from the sun, all day, err day. The sun is a source of UVA and UVB rays, which can cause free radical damage, sun burns and premature ageing. Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection of at least SPF30 or higher, and apply it liberally over your face, eyelids, ears and neck. Now, even if you’re staying indoors, sunscreen is still important as UV rays can be found all around us. And if you’re out doing rigorous activities, where perspiration can cause the sunscreen to melt off, don’t forget to reapply.
Load up on your sun protection with ést.lab’s SunShield SPF50*** and SunShield Aqua SPF50***. The former is a water-resistant sunscreen that boasts a colour-adaptive technology to provide you with light coverage, suitable for outdoor activities. The latter is a non-comedogenic water-based sunscreen that offers a sheer tint, suitable for use by even those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Both sunscreens offer blue-light protection, and are reef-friendly too!
2. Antioxidants
As mentioned earlier, free radical damage – molecules in the environment that damage your skin by clinging to your collagen and weakening elasticity – can be caused by too much sun exposure. Introducing antioxidants into your skincare is great as they neutralise free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons. Common antioxidants found in skincare products include Vitamins A, C and E, Niacinamide, Green Tea and Grape Seed extract.
Introduce supercharged antioxidants into your skincare routine with ést.lab’s VitaLift A+ OPC Antioxidant Cream, which is rich in OPC, also known as Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins to help protect the skin against environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV damage and oxidation that causes premature ageing.
3. H2O
The heat and humidity can cause us to perspire more, and as such, we’ll need to replenish ourselves with water just as much! Not only does having sufficient water intake (at least 2 litres) help to keep us hydrated, it can also flush out toxins from our bodies, helping us to attain clearer skin in the long run.
Your skin will also appreciate some added hydration with ést.lab’s ActivCalm Anti-Stress Hydra Cream, which is packed with Sodium Hyaluronate which replaces the skin’s natural Hyaluronic Acid content and restores skin’s moisture. It also contains Shea Butter, which is widely known as a highly moisturising ingredient!
Steer clear of these in summer!
1. Retinol
While not entirely bad, retinol has the tendency to make your skin more sensitive to UV and increase sun sensitivity. The tip here, if you’d like to continue using retinol, would be to stick to using it in the evenings, and not to miss out on SPF in the mornings. And if you’re going to be spending an extended amount of time in the sun the next day, swap out your retinol for something else instead.
2. Over-exfoliation
Sun-exposed skin would already be more sensitive, and your skin might be experiencing redness, dryness, tightness and/or tenderness. Over-exfoliation on skin that is already damaged can disrupt the skin barrier and cause the skin to flake or peel. #OUCH
3. Hot showers
As the days turn warmer, you might be taking more showers in a day to wash off the grimy and ‘sticky’ feeling from your skin. However, it is important to avoid hot showers as they can cause over-drying, which may trigger an eczema flare-up. P.S. a cold shower would definitely be more effective in cooling your body down anyway. 😜
Now that you know what are the dos and don’ts for your skin this summer, go forth and soak up this glorious weather!
In Good Hands,
Estetica
